Hucknall barber shop closed after failing to comply with Covid-19 requirements

The temporary closure of Talking Heads salon in Portland Road, Hucknall, took affect on October 16, and could last until November 13, but will reviewed every seven days.

The barbershop by trade engages in close personal contact with members of the public. Despite this, it was readily apparent to environmental health officers that even the most basic form of virus protection was not in place for those using the premises.

Among other things there was an absence of enforcement of social distancing, mask wearing, sanitiser, use of sanitiser and no notices were on display asking people to comply with regulations.

Nor did the barbers in the shop appear to understand the need for such requirements and when questioned by local authority officers even produced documentation regarding Covid-19 being a conspiracy.

Jonathan Gribbin, director of Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We will not hesitate to take action against businesses whose operations pose a serious and imminent risk to the health of their customers, staff and the wider community.”

Neighbourhood Insp Mark Dickson said: “We all have an incredibly important responsibility to adhere to the Coronavirus regulations as part of our national effort to prevent the spread of the disease.

“All businesses must comply with the protocols set by the Government as a matter of public safety and we will not stand for persistent breaches of the regulations in our city and county.

“In this case there was deliberate flouting of the restrictions which is both reckless and endangers life which is not acceptable. As a result the business has been closed. We will be patrolling in the area on a regular basis to ensure the business remains closed.”

Coun John Wilmott, cabinet member for regulatory services at Ashfield District Council said: “It is disappointing to hear that a local business is failing to provide a Covid Secure environment for their customers. It meant we had no option but to take this action despite our teams continuing to provide them with the advice and support since the pandemic started.

“We continue to work with business owners on the guidelines, and have visited hundreds of businesses in recent weeks to help them adapt to laws and the vast majority are doing an amazing job.

“We will continue to support them however we can, but we will not tolerate complacency when it comes to regulations that are designed to protect the health of our residents.

“Our Environmental Health Team have worked closely with officers at the Council Council, and it is hugely important that businesses implement all necessary measures to keep their premises secure for customers and help tackle the rising number of cases.”

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